The Best Climbing Harnesses of 2024

The BLACK DIAMOND Momentum Climbing Harness stands tall in the 'Best Overall' category, primarily due to its impeccable blend of comfort, functionality, and adjustability. At the heart of this harness is the pre-threaded Speed Adjust waistbelt buckle, which provides a quick, hassle-free fit, ensuring climbers can focus solely on their ascent. The Bullhorn-shaped waistbelt, enhanced by Dual Core Construction, offers exceptional comfort by evenly distributing pressure across the hips, an invaluable feature for longer climbing sessions.

This harness also shines with its trakFIT adjustment system that enables leg loops to be tailored without any fuss, accommodating different clothing layers with ease. Its four pressure-molded gear loops are noteworthy as they offer efficient gear organization, a must-have for any dedicated climber. While it includes an adjustable rear elastic riser and a haul loop that are on par with standard offerings, the overall design and thoughtful features of the BLACK DIAMOND Momentum make it a top contender in its category.

The PETZL SAMA Unisex Harness stands out in its 'Best For Beginners' category due to its impressive array of features that cater to novice climbers. Made from high-strength polyester, this harness is designed to provide maximum security with sturdy connections and reinforced ends, ensuring that climbers can focus on honing their skills rather than worrying about safety. The harness has a breaking strength of 15KN, which is a reassuring benchmark for those new to the sport.

A significant advantage for beginners is the harness's adjustable fit, which accommodates waist sizes from 19.6 inches to 51.2 inches and leg sizes from 15.7 inches to 32 inches. This flexibility ensures a comfortable fit for various body types, which is ideal for those sharing the harness among friends or family.

While the harness is lightweight, it maintains excellent weight distribution, which is crucial for comfort during extended climbing sessions. Additionally, the broad range of uses—from rock climbing to rescue operations—promotes versatility, making it a wise investment for those starting their climbing journey. Although some features are standard, such as the adjustable leg belt, the product’s comprehensive design and comfort make it an appealing choice for beginners.

The EDELRID Jay Climbing Harness stands out in the 'Best For Sport Climbing' category due to its well-thought-out design features aimed at providing both comfort and practicality. This harness boasts adjustable leg loops, allowing for a tailored fit that promotes full flexibility, essential for dynamic sport climbing sessions. The moveable foam waist padding is another notable feature, enabling climbers to align the tie-in point efficiently, ensuring both comfort and safety during climbs.

Additionally, the Slide Block buckles contribute to the harness's secure yet easy fit, offering peace of mind to climbers tackling challenging routes. The four symmetrical gear loops and attachment options for ice screw clips enhance the harness's versatility, accommodating various climbing gear without adding extra bulk. The inclusion of a small pouch for an RFID tag is a thoughtful touch for those who prioritize gear organization.

Made from bluesign-certified materials, this harness aligns with sustainable practices, which is a plus for eco-conscious climbers. While some of these features might be considered standard, what sets this harness apart is the harmonious integration of these elements to provide a top-notch sport climbing experience.

The PETZL ADJAMA Unisex Harness stands out as a top contender for ice climbing enthusiasts, offering adaptability that caters to a range of climbing activities, from technical mountaineering to multipitch endeavors. Its design incorporates adjustable leg loops and DOUBLEBACK buckles, ensuring a snug fit regardless of how many layers you're bundling up with during cold climbs. This flexibility makes it a reliable companion for various builds and seasons.

What sets the ADJAMA apart is its ENDOFRAME structure, which smartly spreads pressure across the waist belt and leg loops. This thoughtful design minimizes pressure points, allowing climbers to maintain comfort even during prolonged climbs. Its strategic gear loop arrangement, featuring two large loops in the front and flexible rear loops, ensures your equipment is always accessible without creating discomfort when carrying a pack.

Though its performance is excellent, some might find features like the foam standard compared to other models. Yet, with its excellent balance between adjustability and comfort, the PETZL ADJAMA remains a superb choice for those tackling challenging ice-covered routes.

The BLACK DIAMOND Women's Momentum Climbing Harness stands out in the “Best For Women” category, thanks to its thoughtful design and impressive features. A key highlight is its adjustable leg loops, which provide an exceptional fit and allow for full flexibility. This adaptability ensures comfort and confidence during climbs, appealing to climbers of all skill levels.

Moreover, the harness features moveable foam waist padding, a notable addition that enhances comfort by allowing the tie-in point and gear loops to be perfectly aligned. This feature ensures load distribution is optimal, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The Slide Block buckles contribute to a secure and comfortable fit, so you can focus on your climb without distraction.

For gear organization, the harness doesn’t disappoint with four symmetrical gear loops, ready to accommodate your essential climbing equipment. The lasting appeal is further enhanced by its use of bluesign-certified materials, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. While its average feature, such as the small RFID tag pouch, pales in comparison to its standout attributes, the BLACK DIAMOND harness excels where it matters most.

The PETZL MACCHU Kids Climbing Harness is a standout option for young adventurers eager to explore rock climbing. Its thoughtful design caters to both kids and parents, offering peace of mind with a robust safety system. One of its most appealing features is its adaptability. The harness is highly adjustable, making it suitable for a wide range of children and allowing it to grow alongside their needs. This ensures longevity and value for money.

Comfort is another highlight. With its ENDOFRAME construction, the harness provides superior comfort akin to adult models, featuring a padded waistbelt and leg loops that keep young ones snug without compromising freedom of movement. The user-friendly design extends to practical features such as a belay loop and gear loops, enhancing its functionality without overwhelming young climbers. While the average feature may be its compatibility with separate Petzl BODY shoulder straps, this add-on doesn't detract from its solid performance and reliability, making the MACCHU a popular choice for budding climbers.

The X XBEN Climbing Harness stands out in the 'Best Budget Friendly' category for its impressive combination of safety and comfort. Crafted from high-strength polyester, it offers robust and secure support with a breaking strength of 15KN, ensuring peace of mind during climbs. Its adaptability is a notable feature, accommodating waist sizes from 19.6 to 51.2 inches and leg sizes from 15.7 to 32 inches, making it a versatile choice for climbers of all sizes.

This harness excels in comfort, with a lightweight design and a specially constructed belay loop that ensures excellent weight distribution. Whether you're climbing trees, rocks, or even tackling rescue missions, its comfortable cushioning minimizes strain, making it suitable for extended use.

While it covers all the basics expected in its price range, the added peace of mind with the 12-month warranty and money-back guarantee adds significant value, making it a top pick for budget-conscious adventurers.